I have a 18 week old female ridgeback puppy, who is not comfortable with other dogs!

We collected her at 8 weeks from a very reputable breeder after being on a waiting list for a year with a view to showing her.  I've had her at training classes from 11 weeks (all of the dogs are under 19 weeks) and she is going straight onto the junior classes starting next week, but to be honest her fear of other dogs is not diminishing.

If another dog approaches she darts between my legs, gets quite close to the ground etc, more often than not she barks, yelps and sometimes snaps - all of the dogs she has met have been friendly, so I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to progress with this.

I already have an adult ridgeback - I have not walked them together very often as I don't want my female using him as a 'comfort blanket', but to be honest she acts in exactly the same manner when she is out with him (he is a very friendly outgoing dog).

She is out every day with me and we meet or at least see other dogs on these walks - it didn't help much this morning when two other dogs came up to have a sniff and she ran away from them, they gave chase and I'm sure you could hear her yelping for miles and they didn't touch her!  Unfortunately when she ran back to me, again shot between my legs but started to get aggressive with them and consequently they gave as much back.  So not a good walk all in all.

Any advice much appreciated.

I dont know the answer to your problem - sorry, but at training do they let all the puppies off together at some point so they can all play but have the security of owners near by? bit like a childs playgroup where the children play and parents chat.
this didnt happen at a class i went to years ago and i think it just encourages some dogs to hide all the time and some to be constantly straining on leads to sniff other dog, which then makes reserved ones weary of those desperate to get to them.

perhaps you could meet up with one of the other class goers and their puppy and have let you little one have a one to one play to gain confidence??

Lorri

I would encourage your 2 dogs to play together and let the younger one learn from the older ones example. Try to meet up with people who have friendly dogs and allow your dog to stop and speak to all other dogs. If you can find people willing to let your dog play with their off lead that will also be a great chance to improve socialisation.
Dont drag your pup away from situations where other dogs are as this will only make the problem worse. This problem will only get better if dealt with head on.

Lorri

No, the puppies are not let off together to play, but to be honest when my male attended training classes when he was a puppy neither was he (attended classes in a different part of the country).  I only take my dogs to APDT trainers and have always observed classes before making a decision to attend.

She does get on well with a female rottie in the class (we actually sit together as she was nervous with other dogs at the start) and does go to sniff the other dogs until they show an interest in her at which point she backs off.

FredsMum

My two do play together at home and she is completely different with him to when she is out and about.  She does back off when he tells her off but they both enjoy each others company.  All of the dogs we have met so far have been friendly, she is usually off lead for a lot of her walks so has a choice if she wants to say hello or not. 

I don't drag her away from situations with other dogs, nor do I pay any attention to her when she is being 'daft', instead I carry on as normal and keep an eye on her.

Nine times out of ten she doesn't want to play with other dogs as she seems to get a bit overwhelmed!

Maybe some one on one with different dogs?

where abouts in the country are you Ridgie??

could you maybe contact the breeder and take her back there for a few hours to socialise with her dogs?

This is not uncommon with a second dog in the family  You get lulled into a false sense of security as they get on so well with the other dog and then you get a nasty shock as this is not generalised to dogs outside those she knows, and if the same breed to other breeds.

the pup hasn't the incentive to socialise as she has canine companionship already.

the fact she shows interest in the other pups is good, but their response is still beyond her confidence.

I think you would be better to socialise her with dogs that are less likely to do more than ignore her, so sensible pup friendly adults. 

She has already made friends with the Rottie pup, so next time try to sit by a quiet, but not timid pup, and keep moving around once she is comfortable with that one and so on.  just get her happy chilling next to another pup/dog, playing is too much for her yet.

Take her out on her own without big bro too.

Emz77

I live outside of Aberdeen.

suz1985

Taking her back to the breeders isn't an option I'm afraid as I live a 9-10 hours drive away!

Brainless

Thanks for the advice - I never thought of moving round and sitting next to different dogs in the class, I'll do this at the junior classes next week.

She was the youngest dog in the class (it was a puppy class with no dog being beyond 18 weeks old) but even so the majority of dogs were much larger, very over excitable (being puppies) and noisy!  There was only my girl and the rottie pup who were reserved with other dogs, so my choices of other potential friends was limited.

I only take her out with my male when there are two of us walking them (usually one day over a weekend), otherwise she gets walked with me on her own, as I said in an earlier post I didn't want her using him as a 'comfort blanket', I've done this right from the start.

oh dear, it is a bit of a drive.... i stay in central scotland and would be happy to meet up with my pup for a play and run around, thing is hes very boisterious and confident, and may be too pushy for her. what about friends with dogs? nice calm natured dogs who will allow her to go to them in her own time?

Hi, I know this is not near you but have a look at the socialisation classes my trainer runs.    She is a a member of APDT and uses tutor dogs to help younger dogs learn to socialise.   It may just give you an idea of what to look for in your local area.  We've done the foundation and Bronze courses and have our Silver in a few weeks - I've been very impressed with this training group and have received a lot of helpful advice on all things related to training and development.  We haven't needed the socialisation classes but I've heard very good things about it.  I hope you can find someone that is as sympathetic to your needs as we've had.  If you current trainer isn't already helping you with your concerns do try someone else - there are some great trainers out there and perhaps your vet might know someone.  Do ask at your local ringcraft class too.   http://www.little-orchard.co.uk/dog-training-clubs

What a fantastic training club!

I've never seen anyone offer this type of training/socialisation before, shame I don't live anywhere near.  My trainer is very open to suggestions, so I'll definately mention this as I'm sure there will be others like myself in the local area.  She only offers puppy classes, so we've just completed the 8 week puppy course and are going straight onto the junior class next week (another 8 weeks).  I've taken her out of ringcraft for the time being as she was finding it really stressful, very small cramped hall and you were really on top of each other.  I'll go back to it in the future when we get over this little 'bump' but it's not the be all and end all - I would rather have a happy, confident well adjusted dog.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, she'll come throught it I know!